My dad recently got a Marlin .22 that belonged to his grandfather. The rifle is a Marlin model 39 on the receiver it has a * which I read means it is near perfect manufactured condition. On the octagon barrel it says it is 22 s-l and l-r. Under the lever action is imprented S 250.

From what I could find in a quick search on the internet this gun was manufactured between '22 and '32. The S signifies that it is not to be used with high power ammunition this was fixed in 1932 when they began putting the HS in front of the number.

Help me out if you know more about this gun maybe an approxomate age, value etc and also does anyone know where I can find non high power/velocity ammunition so we can enjoy this new toy.

ps photos to follow later

I cannot contribute, but I am jealous if that helps.

I have no info. but I want it

[This message has been edited by agfan2013 (edited 8/13/2011 11:14a).]

You have what IMO is the finest lever-action rimfire rifle ever made. Have fun with it.

Both Winchester and Federal, and perhaps Remington, still make Standard Velocity long rifle ammo. I haven't shopped lately, but just look for "Standard Velocity" on the box. Wal-Mart may have it, but any decent gun shop will.

You can also safely shoot .22 Short and .22 Long rounds through it without worry - but they are a little tougher to find these days.

Sub Sonic rounds might work also? I think Remington makes them?

You have better never sell that thing or your great grandpa would haunt you to your grave and then whup your butt in the afterlife... I know I would. WOW. Now you have to wait your turn!

Amazing just to get a hold of one of those in that condition, much less have it be your great-grandfather's. Truly priceless.

how long is that barrel?

Wow, that is awesome.

Barrel langth 23.5" overall length 42"

What a great old rifle. I have one I purchased in the 80s and it shoots great.

Yours is a true family heirloom. You can safely shoot the CB caps, sub sonic shorts and standard longs in it with no problems.

I would purchase some .22 LR target ammo cause it's standard velocity and won't hurt the gun at all.

Have a great time with it, it's a classic.

Beautiful rifle. What ever you do, don't have it reblued. I think the receiver is color case hardened and will turn maroon during the blueing process. I too am jealous.

That was my first gun (minus the octaganol barrel). Still love shooting it.

Gig Em

Your telling me none of the great gun minds can tell me more anout this beauty or confirm the things I have found.

Maybe someoneat Champions...

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Your telling me none of the great gun minds can tell me more anout this beauty or confirm the things I have found.

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Gee, I thought you got a little bit of good info. You asked for approximate age, but you already told us it was made between 1922 and 1932. I presume you figured that out by looking up the serial number.

You asked where you might find ammunition for it, but didn't tell us where you live so nobody can send you to a particular store. Still, you got good info on companies that make standard velocity and 'sub-sonic' ammo and what to look for.

Value - it's worth what somebody is willing to pay for it. Look here and compare and decide:

http://www.gunbroker.com/Auction/SearchResults.aspx

You might also search on gunsinternational.com

My 39 has been with me for 45 years. My absolute favorite!

Love my 39A. Was my dad's 10th birthday present, so it's at least 40 years old, if not older.

Just go get you some Remington Sub-Sonics. Low velocity ammo, generally more accurate than bulk ammo, and not terribly expensive.

You can also shoot match ammo out of it - that is usually sub-sonic velocity, or a shade above, but nowhere near high velocity.

Academy would be a good place to start as they generally have a decent selection of .22 ammo available, or have the last several times I've been through there anyway.

Be careful with CB's - although not common, there would be a much higher probability of the round not exiting a barrel that long. I had to use a rod to push one out of my Marlin 39A once. It's not common, but it can happen due to the extremely low velocity of the CB round.

Having two Model 39's myself, I believe if you take that rifle to a gunsmith and have it checked out, you will find you can shoot any 22 rimfire round made. I do in mine.

Even the highest velocity 22 rimfire does not have enough chamber pressure to hurt the steel action that the marlin is made from.

The only factor you may come across, which I did, was to find that the hyper velocity rounds are not near as accurate, due to the rifling twist.

I shoot subsonics/shorts in mine all the time. It's deadly on barn cats at 50 yards!

~Michael

My dad and I each have a 39A with the round barrel. Wonderful guns and, as someone already pointed out, probably the finest .22 ever made.
On the value - I would venture to guess it's not worth enough for you to consider selling it. I'm not sure how rare the octagon barrel is but there are millions of marlin 39s out there. It's good to have an idea of value though for insurance purposes, just in case.

That is quite possibly the most beautiful .22 cal rifle I have seen.

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as someone already pointed out, probably the finest .22 ever made.

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I said the finest lever action .22 rifle ever made.

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On the value - I would venture to guess it's not worth enough for you to consider selling it. I'm not sure how rare the octagon barrel is ........

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You might want to check the link I posted above to the current listings on gunbroker. Also the cheapest one listed on gunsinternational is just under $500 - a 1951 mfg rifle and all the wood has been replaced. There are only two offered for 3-figure prices and three times as many offered for over $1000.



[This message has been edited by JR69 (edited 8/17/2011 5:28p).]

My dad and I took the rifle to a local gun smith, when we pulled it out of thecase he was blown away with what had just walked into the door. He said it is not every day that a gun that old and in that good of shape just walks in.

Well he called today with the near heartbreaking news that the carrier rocker is broken and therefore will not load rounds into the action.

He said we might be able to find a replacement but he doubts it...just wanted to let yall hear my news and maybe one of you might know something to help.

If the carrier rocker is the pin that goes through the action to load rounds, there is a really easy fix for it.

I was shooting mine many moons ago when it suddenly quit loading rounds - strangely, the pin had fallen out of the action and was nowhere to be found. Being the industrious young lads we were, especially when it meant quit shooting or keep shooting, I discovered that a Weaver scope base screw fit perfectly in the action and was back shooting within a few minutes.

But you should be able to find a replacement part for it. 39A's are one of the most popular rifles out there. And if the smith can't find one and can't make one, find a different gunsmith.

As others have said, you have the finest lever gun ever made. There are still parts around. There are a few places that specialize in antique gun parts. Good luck, and never sell it!

I agree with the statement on your gunsmith, if he can't either find the part or fabricate a replacement, find another one who can. Worst case, get a scale drawing or pattern for the part and hit up a local machine shop.

That is one sweet looking gun...